Panel display system

Abstract

This invention relates to a clip for releasably connecting a panel edge to a rod. The clip comprises a first jaw for releasable connection to the panel edge, and an opposed, substantially arcuate, second jaw for releasable connection to the rod. The first jaw includes a locking means for engaging with a complimentary part of the panel edge. The first and second jaws are integrally formed of a resilient material. The clip may be particularly suitable for joining display panels together about a common connecting rod. The display panels, once connected or joined, are free to move with respect to each other about the common connecting rod which acts as a hinge.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A panel display system for displaying a plurality of panels, said panel display system comprising: a) at least one generally planar panel, each of said panels comprising a groove formed along at least one edge of the panel upon both sides thereof;   b) at least one rod;   c) a plurality of clips for attaching said panel(s) and rod(s) to one another, each of said clips comprising: i) a first jaw for releasably attaching said clip to one of said panels, said jaw comprising ribs formed upon opposite internal surfaces thereof and configured to engage the grooves formed in said panels;   ii) a substantially arcuate second jaw for releasably attaching said clip to one of said rods, said second jaw formed integrally with said first jaw; and     d) wherein two panels are thus interconnectable via attachment to a common one of said rods utilizing a plurality of said clips.   
     
     
       2. The panel display system as recited in claim 1, wherein said second jaw is greater than a semicircle in cross section. 
     
     
       3. The panel display system as recited in claim 1, wherein the first and second jaws are integrally formed of a resilient material. 
     
     
       4. The panel display system as recited in claim 1, wherein the second jaw is undersized in relation to the diameter of the rod, such that the rod, once engaged and retained by the second jaw, urges the first jaw against the panel edge, thus increasing its grip on the panel edge. 
     
     
       5. The panel display system as recited in claim 1, wherein said panel edge is formed from an extruded section. 
     
     
       6. The panel display system as recited in claim 1, wherein said clip is formed from extruded polyethylene. 
     
     
       7. The panel display system as recited in claim 1, wherein said first and second jaws are formed on opposite sides of a common connecting member, said first and second jaws being able to pivot or flex with respect to each other and said common connecting member about said common connecting member. 
     
     
       8. The panel display system as recited in claim 7, wherein said common connecting member is generally thinner in cross section than the first and second jaws.